Who We Are
We are a faith-based group with a mission to care for those experiencing homelessness for approximately six to eight months out of the year in Chesapeake, VA. Churches, with help from community groups, make our CAST season successful. Many of our volunteers are grateful for CAST as a tool for them to do “Local Missions.” With hosting taking place in local church buildings or at the Chesapeake Cares Resource Center by churches or community groups, there are opportunities for spiritual conversations to occur with our guests. The Gospel Message is openly shared by many volunteers, as they so choose. (Matthew 28:19, John 3:16, John 14:6)
Mission
Need..
What We Do & Why
We are intentional about showing guests in need that we care about them. Many say, “God uses us as His Hands and Feet” and “God has blessed our church, and we want to share what we have with our guests.” Thus, we strive to provide food and shelter in a safe environment.
The Church has its responsibilities as outlined in the Bible, such as caring for the poor. We all need Christ. Yet, the government is not expected to show Christ to the poor, for that is the role of the Church. The Church must be intentional in its duty to give food and lodging to the poor and to share Christ with them. (Luke 14: 12-14)
How We Operate
Various Chesapeake churches take turns hosting our guests for one week per season, either at their location or at the new Chesapeake Cares Resource Center (CCRC). The week begins on a Wednesday evening and ends the following Wednesday morning. Some congregations host for multiple weeks with the typical season running from November 26th to April 21st. We are also in the planning stages of expanding CAST to a year round model. Contact us if your church or community organization would like to host a week in July or August.
Transportation is provided for guests each evening from the Chesapeake Cares Resource Center to the host site for the evening, as needed (**Most hosts now operate from the CCRC, so no bus in needed**). Transportation is also provided early the next morning and provides a return trip to the CCRC after breakfast. A second noon time return trip may be available for guests who stay for Sunday morning worship.
CAST provides blankets and mats for guests to utilize during their stay. The hosting church or community organization provides supper, breakfast, and grab-and-go lunch items.
Church Partnerships are Key
Thank you to the Chesapeake community of churches for hosting the CAST (Chesapeake Area Shelter Team) overnight winter shelter program for homeless men, women, and families. The 2025-2026 winter season marks the 15th year that CAST has provided shelter to the homeless. We serve over 500 guests each year.
Together We Make A Difference
Thank you to the CAST Coordinators at each church, along with their congregation and many community partners, that provide our homeless guests a safe and warm place to rest, eat, and gain resource information.
Special thanks to Shared Hospital Services for cleaning the blankets all thru the CAST sheltering season!
